ANNUAL REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF CULVERT-DWELLING CLIFF SWALLOWS IN EAST-CENTRAL TEXAS
personal.ksu.edu
The Condor 103:879–885
Add comment June 19th, 2006
Archive for June 19th, 2006
Saving Cliff Swallow Nests
enviro-explorers.com
Cliff swallows are migratory birds that usually build their mud nest colonies on cliffs and rock overhangs. Since these areas are difficult to find in some parts of Iowa, the swallows often build their nests under concrete bridges on some of our state highways.
The cliff swallows are classified under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 as migratory insectivorous birds, and are protected by state and federal regulations. It is illegal for anyone to take, possess, transport, sell or purchase them or their parts, such as feathers, nests, or eggs, without a permit.Winters in Iowa take their toll on our bridges, and each spring it is necessary to wash the steel parts of some bridges to prevent corrosion. Power washers used to clean the bridges can sometimes wash away the nests.
Last year the Department of Transportation learned that the cliff swallow nests need to be preserved. Since the nests are built to last and returning birds reuse the same nests year after year, the destruction of these nests could impact reproduction of the species.
The DOT has come up with a solution that will protect these nests, while cleaning and maintaining our bridges. Workers who wash the bridges are now required to look for these nests, and avoid any actions that will harm or destroy the nests. Since the steel portions of the bridges are the areas that need washing, the concrete parts where the nests are located can be avoided without affecting maintenance on the bridges.
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Cave Swallow
shawcreekbirdsupply.com
Like the Cliff Swallow, Cave Swallows build in close proximity to each other and, as the name implies, in caves. However, unlike Cliff Swallows, this species does not “stack” its nests on top of others: this likely comes from the open structure of the nest. Cave Swallows line their mud nests, built on sites with open approaches, with cotton-like plant fibers, thin strips of bark, fine grasses and feathers”. The Cave Swallow can be told from all swallows except the Cliff Swallow by its pale rump. Cave Swallow has a darker forehead and a paler throat than the Cliff Swallow. The Cave Swallow’s tail is more squared at the tip than most other swallows.
Originally restricted to open country in the vicinity of limestone caves and sinkholes; the Cave Swallow has adapted its nesting habits to artificial structures such as culverts and bridges in the northern part of its range where water and mud are available. Breeds from Carlsbad Caverns in southeastern New Mexico and from western and south-central Texas south through Mexico. Winter range is unknown.
Cave Swallow Range Map
Cave Swallows form colonies and tend to build its mud nests in isolated crevices and pockets, or under overhanging ledges. This species will reuse nest year after year and will sometimes share the same nest site with Barn Swallows. The Cave Swallow feeds exclusively on insects.
Add comment June 19th, 2006